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Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Definition

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a law in the United States that aims to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. It provides legal protection for these species, prohibits activities that harm them or their habitats, and promotes conservation efforts.

Analogy

Think of the ESA as a superhero cape for endangered species. Just like a cape protects a superhero from harm, the ESA protects endangered species from threats and ensures their survival.

Related terms

Critical habitat: Critical habitat refers to specific areas that are essential for the survival and recovery of an endangered or threatened species. These areas provide the necessary resources, such as food, water, shelter, or breeding sites.

Captive breeding programs: Captive breeding programs involve breeding endangered species in captivity with the goal of increasing their population numbers. This helps prevent extinction by providing a safe environment for reproduction and eventual release into the wild.

Biodiversity hotspot: A biodiversity hotspot is a region with high levels of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities. These areas are important for conservation efforts because they contain many unique and endangered species.